Amos 8:4-12

As we continue in this brief series of sermons on Christian Faith and Empire, we come to a prophesy from the Book of the Prophet Amos that has a very contemporary ring. Greed is one of the great challenges we all contend with, and we can be greedy for many things more than money. Whenever fear impels us into a reckless and selfish hoarding of resources or power, we are contending with the sin of greed.

Read Amos 8:4-12

While verse 4 is straightforward, verse 5 refers to both religious observance and fraudulent business practices. See if your Bible offers more detail.

When have you been tempted to put business or personal gain ahead of your faith practices?

When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone to gain something unfairly?

We all are so tempted; confess this to God.

Verses 7 and 8 reaffirm the truth that no such greediness goes unnoticed by God. Why do you suppose the prophet uses the simile of the Nile River’s annual flooding to describe God’s response to unfettered greed put into practice?

The opposite of greed is charity — putting the needs of others first. When have you made a personal sacrifice — of money, time, belongings, emotion — to benefit someone in need? How did that feel? How does that feeling compare to the feeling of hiding a greedy act?